Headband with retractable visor

ABSTRACT

The headband with retractable visor is convertible headwear that can be used as a headband that holds the wearer&#39;s hair in place in the absence of sun. When the need arises, the headwear converts into a visor that shields the wearer&#39;s eyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight. A push-button mechanism is employed to cause the visor to extend from the headwear or retract therein, as desired. Hinges are provided to permit angular visor adjustment when in the extended position.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/213,901, filed Jul. 27, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to wearing apparel, and moreparticularly to a headband with retractable visor that is convertiblefor use either as a headband or as a sun visor.

2. Description of the Related Art

When engaged in outdoor activity, it is often necessary to shade one'seyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight. Typically, a hathaving a large visor or brim is employed to afford the neededprotection. Often however, a few clouds roll in to block the sun or theoutdoor arena is shifted to shaded areas, and the hat with the visorbecomes an unneeded and unwanted extra object to be carried oruncomfortably worn. It would certainly be advantageous if the cumbersomevisor could be temporarily stored and the hat employed as a simpleheadband for wear when no sunlight problems exist. It would even be moreadvantageous if the visor could quickly be restored in an extendedposition if needed. Thus, a headband having a retractable visor solvingthe aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The headband with retractable visor is convertible headwear that can beused as a headband that holds the wearer's hair in place in the absenceof sun. When the need arises, the headwear converts into a visor thatshields the wearer's eyes and face from the effects of bright sunlight.A push-button mechanism is employed to cause the visor to extend fromthe headwear or to retract therein, as desired. Means are provided topermit angular visor adjustment when in the extended position.

Accordingly, the invention presents headwear that can be converted froma headband to a protective visor. Conversion is easy and may be quicklyaccomplished. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in anarrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependableand fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a headband andretractable visor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of the headband andretractable visor of FIG. 1, shown with the visor in a retractedposition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headband and retractable visor ofFIG. 1, the visor being shown in its optional extended position inphantom.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the headband with retractable visor, designatedgenerally as 10 in the drawings, comprises a member 12 of substantiallycircular configuration having an open portion 13 in its circumference,as does a conventional headband. Member 12 is fabricated from suitablematerial (plastic, metal, wood, etc.) that has a resilient feature thatallows it to be deformed and revert to its original conformation. Thispermits the member 12 to fit snugly to heads of different sizes. Member12 is covered in a lightweight, sporty fabric 12 a. A visor 14 ismounted to member 12. Visor 14 is fabricated from a thin, pliable fabriccapable of collapsing in folds. The fabric of visor 14 is coordinatedwith the fabric 12 a for aesthetic purposes. A mechanism is employed toextend or retract visor 14. The mechanism includes a button 16 that isemployed to activate the mechanism. Button 16 is mounted on member 12. Ahinge 18 is provided to adjust the angle of the visor 14 when the visoris in its extended position.

In use, the headwear may be employed as a headband (FIG. 2) for normalwear. When desired, simply pushing button 16 will cause visor 14 toextend and the headwear can be worn in a manner to protect the eyes andface from the effects of sunlight, as shown in FIG. 1.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A convertible headband, comprising: a substantially circular memberhaving a circumference, the circular member having an open portionformed in the circumference, the circular member forming a headband; avisor attached to the circular member; a mechanism for extending andretracting the visor relative to the circular member.
 2. A convertibleheadband according to claim 1, wherein said circular member is coveredwith a lightweight fabric.